Slab work
Slab work is a relatively recent obsession. I love the change in rhythm from wheel work. Taking time and playing around, stretching and distorting forms, messing with colour and pattern, there is so much variety to play with.
Functional work
Functional ware has been a foundation of my creative practice throughout my career. In the earlier years I had a high volume production largely based on functional domestic pottery ware. I still really enjoy designing and making low volume, short runs of work, a real luxury to step away from the high volume I sustained through the 80s and 90s.
Other work
Having the opportunity to step out into a variety of other projects even with materials other than clay has been important in gaining insights and perspectives on my clay practice that would not have otherwise necessarily presented. My current collaboration with Guy Crosley on the Fibonacci project in Uralla has been and continues to be very enriching creative experience.
About
I have worked with clay for nearly 50 years, training in both New Zealand and Australia. My work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Japan and the USA. In addition to my studio practice, I collaborate on community art projects and run occasional pottery classes in my self-built studio in Uralla. Since the studio went up in 2020 sustainability has been increasingly a focus. Now with solar panels and battery storage, my small kiln runs entirely on solar energy, while the large 3 phase kiln fires nearly 50% on solar. The work is handcrafted with sustainability in mind.